3P3M1 





HEAD OF ROY CHRIST. — HOFMANN. 



THE FLAG OF 
THE CROSS 



By 



Arthur Jackson Porter 



NEW YORK 
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND TWELVE 









i 9H 

Copyright, tl^kjg, by 
ARTHUR JACKSON PORTER 



Printed in the United States 



5LA328813 



DEDICATED 

TO "THE CHURCH OF GOD 

WHICH HE HATH PURCHASED 

WITH HIS OWN BLOOD" 

AS A MEMORIAL 

TO THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS 



THE CHURCH 

One Fold and One Shepherd 

Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd, and know my 
sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, 
even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the 
sheep. 

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them 
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there 
shall be one fold, and one shepherd." 

St. John x: 14-16 



Head of Boy Christ. 

The reproduction from Professor Heinrich Hofmann's beauti- 
ful painting of the Boy Christ in the temple presented herewith 
is inseparable in thought from the earliest recorded words of 
Jesus, spoken to the friends who, after a long and anxious search, 
had at length found Him there in the midst of the learned doctors 
of the law: "How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I 
must be about my Father's business?" Luke 2, 49. 

These words, so charged with an all-absorbing life purpose, 
coming from the lips of this marvelous boy of twelve years, have 
never ceased to be an inspiration to young and old alike. Rever- 
ently cherishing these foregleams of the brightness of His public 
ministry, it is well that they be studied in the light of the great 
events which culminated upon Calvary's Cross, from which His 
unparalleled prayer for His enemies arose in the simplicity and 
power of a great benediction : "Father, forgive them ; for they 
know not what they do." Luke 23, 34. 

Two immortal purposes, always present in the life of Christ, 
are strikingly manifested through these imperishable words : 
perennial recognition of and obedience to the will of God, and 
ceaseless care for man's present and eternal welfare. 



-CONTENTS 

PA-GE 

Portrait — Head of Boy Christ Frontispiece 

The Flag of The Cross 17 

Symbolism 19 

The Cross 23 

Criticism and Achievement 27 

The Christian Soldier 31 

Scriptural References 2>2> 

Color Plate 37 

Conclusion 39 



The Foreword. 

The flags or standards of nations usually bear emblems repre- 
senting important historic events or national ideals well calcu- 
lated to inspire or stimulate the patriotic devotion of the people, 
as for instance each star appearing in the Union of the flag of 
the United States represents a State which has been admitted 
to the national Union. Similarly, the red cross of St. George 
and the white cross of St. Andrew united in the British flag rep- 
resent the union of Scotland and England which occurred in 
the year 1707. 

The standards of ancient nations consisted of figures or images 
borne aloft upon poles or staffs. They seem to have played an 
important part in the formation and movements of military 
bodies, to have steadied the men in action, to have inspired them 
to perform heroic deeds of self sacrifice and often to have helped 
them to snatch the laurels of victory from the unwilling hand 
of fate. 

After the Children of Israel were driven out of Egypt a 
standard was given to each of the four divisions of their army, 
and that their camp might be put in a defensive posture definite 
positions were assigned to these divisions, namely: Judah on the 
east side, toward the rising of the sun ; Reuben on the south 
side, Ephraim on the west side and Dan on the north side. 
Numbers 2, 1-25. 

The sacred record does not enlighten us regarding the form 
of these standards. The form, however, was doubtless a matter 
of minor importance. The spirit of patriotism and devotion on 
the one hand and the recognized Divine leadership on the other, 
gave to the form its significance and power. 



The confidence inspired by displaying a standard was, in a 
later age, forcibly and beautifully expressed by the prophet 
Isaiah, thus : 

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the 
Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer 
shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression 
in Jacob, saith the Lord." 

"As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; 
My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put 
in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the 
mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith 
the Lord, from henceforth and forever." Isaiah 59; 19-21. 

"Arise, shine ; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord 
is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the 
earth, and gross darkness the people ; but the Lord shall arise 
upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." 

"And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the 
brightness of thy rising." Isaiah 60; 1-3. 

"Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and 
nations that know not thee shall run unto thee because of the 
Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel ; for he hath glori- 
fied thee." Isaiah 55, 5. 

The prophet, thus by inspiration, caught a broad and true view 
of the coming Kingdom of Christ. 

David, the first great king of Israel, wrote: "Thou hast given 
a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed be- 
cause of the truth." Psalms 60, 4. 

David mounted to power over uncounted thousands of his 
fallen enemies. Christ gained a crown of eternal glory by giving 
His own life a ransom for many, thereby making the Cross of 
Calvary the most potent moral and spiritual factor in the world 
for all time. David regarded it as an honor to display a banner 



"because of the truth." Infinitely greater then must be the 
privilege of displaying a banner in honor of Christ, who is "the 
way, the truth and the life," for His matchless love like the folds 
of a great banner is ever over us, our shield and defense. 

The flag or banner described in the following pages is in- 
tended to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ, and is sent 
forth to testify in its own silent way to the truth of His glorious 
gospel. 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the 
power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth ; to the 
Jew first, and also to the Greek." 

A. J. P. 



13 



THE FLAG OF THE CROSS 



The Flag of the Cross. 

The idea of designing a flag having a distinctively spiritual 
and Christian significance and intended for the use of all Chris- 
tian bodies desiring to display it, first impressed itself upon the 
mind of the designer of this flag many years ago in connection 
with the preparation of a brief address to a Sunday School on 
the "Children's Crusade." This idea has, however, been allowed 
to lie dormant for the reason that there has appeared to exist 
in many enlightened and Christian quarters an undefined preju- 
dice against the free display of the sacred emblem of the cross, 
it having been practically banished for centuries from the places 
of worship of many Christian societies. It is believed, however, 
that this prejudice is not well founded, and that it is to a large 
extent dying out. 

It is believed that the adoption of a common flag or standard 
would tend to strengthen the spirit of co-operation already exist- 
ing between many different denominations and thereby advance 
the interests of Christ's Kingdom in the world. Therefore, not- 
withstanding the fact that more or less recognition has been 
given to other flags and banners of diverse forms having, at 
least in part, the same general object in view, this design is sub- 
mitted for the consideration of all who may be interested in the 
subject in the hope that it may meet with a favorable reception 
and serve a useful purpose in the Church of Christ. 

THE DESIGN OF THE FLAG. 

To be rectangular in shape, the size to be in the proportion 
of six feet in width by nine feet in length, and to comprise the 
following parts : 

A center field of blue, the length of which shall equal the 

'7 



entire width of the flag, its width to be one-half as great as its 
length. 

The center field shall be inclosed by a border of white. The 
width of this white border shall be uniformly one-sixth the width 
of the center field. 

The border of white shall in turn be inclosed by an outer 
border of red which shall be uniformly twice the width of the 
white strip or border which it incloses, or one-third the width 
of the center field of blue. 

The proportions as given above and as shown on the accom- 
panying plate are approximate, but will be adhered to as closely 
as possible consistent with the various widths of the materials 
used in making the flag. 

A large red cross with a white border shall appear in the 
center of the blue field. This cross shall be encircled by seven 
white stars. Rays of light shall radiate in every direction from 
the center of the cross. 

Near each of the four corners of the outer border of red shall 
appear a large white star bearing in its center a small red cross. 

This flag shall be made in two different ways to suit its in- 
tended use or the taste of the users. 

First — As above described, the hoist being the width, and the 
length the fly. 

Second — Similar to the above description, except that it shall 
be suspended as a banner from a horizontal instead of from a 
vertical support, the positions of the emblems being correspond- 
ingly changed to preserve their original relation to the perpen- 
dicular. 

THE STAFF. 

The staff will be an ordinary flag staff except that at the 
upper end will be placed a round golden ball surmounted by a 
golden cross (or spear head) of appropriate size. 



SYMBOLISM. 

This flag or standard is intended to symbolize in an attrac- 
tive manner certain generally accepted doctrines of the Christian 
religion. For obvious reasons no attempt has been made to in- 
clude in its symbolism all of the doctrines or belief of any church, 
it being impracticable if not objectionable to do so. 

The three parts constituting the flag proper symbolize the 
Three Persons in the Godhead, this doctrine of the Trinity hav- 
ing been clearly taught by Jesus Himself. "And Jesus came and 
spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven 
and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have 
commanded you ; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the 
end of the world." Matt. 28, 18-20. 

The above mentioned symbol of the Trinity applies to the 
three principal parts comprising the flag proper, but has no 
reference to the colors of these parts. 

The blue of the center field is emblematic of the expanded 
heavens, the dwelling place of the Most High, and the home of 
the soul. The amplitude and enduring character of Christianity 
are thus symbolized. This color is recognized as representing 
vigilant perseverance and justice, virtues which are in the highest 
sense Christian. 

From time immemorial white has been recognized as a symbol 
of purity, and for this reason it has been chosen to enfold the 
field of blue, signifying the purity of Christ, and that which He 
requires of those who bear His name. "Behold, what manner 
of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be 
called the sons of God : * * * Beloved, now are we the sons 
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we 

19 



know that, when he shall appear, we shall he like him ; for we 
shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in 
him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." I. John 3, 1-3. 

Red represents hardiness and valor and has, therefore, been 
chosen for the outer border as standing- for qualities essential 
to sterling" character. 

The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to "Endure hardness, as 
a good soldier of Jesus Christ," 2 Tim. 2, 3, and wrote out of 
his own experience, "I endure all things for the elects' sakes, 
that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus 
with eternal glory." 2 Tim. 2. 10. 

The red cross in the field of blue signifies Christ's supreme act 
of sacrifice in shedding His own life's blood on Calvary to re- 
deem the world and reconcile man to God. The voluntary nature 
of His sacrifice and the perfect agreement of His will with that 
of God are shown by His own words, as given to us by the 
Apostle John. "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I 
lay down my life that T might take it again. No man taketh it 
from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it 
down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment 
have I received of my Father." John 10. 17-18. 

The uplifting power of His cross as manifested throughout 
the civilized world is daily fulfilling His own prophecy. "And 
I. if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." 
John 12, 32. 

The number seven being a recognized symbol of completeness, 
seven stars have been chosen to encircle the cross and to sym- 
bolize the perfection and authority of Christ, and the complete- 
ness of the Church in Him. 

"For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all princi- 
pality and power." Col. 2 ; 9, 10. 



The rays of light radiating" from the cross signify the illumi- 
nating and elevating effect of the Gospel of Christ wherever it 
is preached and practiced. 

The four stars near the four corners of the flag represent the 
spread of Christianity as commanded by Christ. "Go ye into all 
the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16, 15. 



» 



THE CROSS. 

The origin of the cross is veiled in obscurity. That it was 
commonly used before Christ as an instrument of torture and 
death is well known. As such it was regarded with the utmost 
horror. It has existed in a variety of forms and has been found 
in many lands. It appears to have had in ancient times a re- 
ligious significance in some countries. In Egyptian sculptures 
a form of the cross was frequently represented as being borne 
by divinities, while the ancient Buddhists carved the cross upon 
their altars or monuments.* 

With the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His resurrection 
from the dead, the cross took on a new significance. This in- 
strument of unspeakable cruelty, the inhuman invention of a 
barbarous age, became at once the symbol of life and hope, of 
inspiration and power. When rightly understood and applied to 
life, His cross is found still to have all its old-time vitality. Not 
as a talisman to charm, but as a transforming, spiritual force, 
embodied in material form. 

The persistent opposition of the chief enemies of Christ, the 
then rulers of the Jewish Church, actuated by envy sustained by 
fear of the loss of prestige and power ; the unscrupulous methods 
employed by them to accomplish His crucifixion under judicial 
and imperial authority and a semblance of law, form the dark 
background of the most singular and incongruous chapter in the 
history of ecclesiastical administration. 

A careful study of the prevailing conditions and the characters 



*It is a singular and interesting fact that this ancient Egyptian symbol 
of the cross signified "Life." See "The Gods of the Egyptians," by 
E. A. Wallis Budge, Keeper of the Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities 
in the British Museum. 



2 3 



and commanding positions of His enemies leads to the conclu- 
sion that Jesus, from a human standpoint, could not at last, if 
ever, have avoided the cross without renouncing- His Divine 
mission as the world's Redeemer. 

In the light of the Gospel records His voluntary acceptance of 
the cross with all its untold degradation furnishes conclusive 
evidence of His supreme purpose. His sacrifice confirmed His 
memorable words spoken to Pilate out of the shadow of the 
cross: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into 
the world, that I might bear witness unto the truth. Every one 
that is of the truth heareth my voice." 

The conclusion forced upon unprejudiced minds by the closely 
following events is unmistakably expressed by the Roman Cen- 
turion and his band of soldiers, hardened and unsympathetic as 
they were: "Truly this man was the Son of God." 

"When I survey the wondrous cross, 
On which the Prince of Glory died, 
My richest gain I count but loss, 
And pour contempt on all my pride. 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, 
Save in the death of Christ, my God; 

All the vain things that charm me most, 
I sacrifice them to His blood. 

See, from His head, His hands, His feet, 
Sorrow and love flow mingled down ! 

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, 
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? 

Were the whole realm of nature mine, 

That were a present far too small. 
Love so amazing, so Divine, 

Demands my soul, my life, my all." 



24 



The historian Gibbon states that, "In all occasions of clanger 
or distress it was the practice of the primitive Christians to 
fortify their minds and bodies by the sign of the cross, which 
they used in all their ecclesiastical rites, in all the daily occurrences 
of life, as an infallible preservative against every species of 
spiritual or temporal evil." 

Eusebius, of Csesarea, the well known bishop and father of 
ecclesiastical history, gave to the world as an historical fact the 
claim of the Emperor Constantine that during the campaign that 
ended with the victory of Milvian Bridge (Oct. 28, 312), he saw 
at noon-tide a flaming cross in the sky with the motto, "By this 
conquer," and that this astonishing sign was followed the ensu- 
ing night by a vision ; Christ appearing before his eyes, display- 
ing the same celestial sign of the cross and directing Constantine 
to frame a standard, to inscribe the shields of his soldiers with 
the celestial sign of God, the sacred monogram of the name of 
Christ, and to march with an assurance of victory, against 
Maxentius and all his enemies. 

The decisive victory won the following day was claimed to 
have been a reward to Constantine for his valor and obedience. 
The Labarnm, or Standard of the Cross, made in obedience to 
the heavenly vision was, however, according to Gibbon, first ex- 
hibited to the army in the year 323 A. D. 

From the age of Constantine to the present time, the cross has 
been borne upon the arms or banners of political institutions. 
It now appears upon the standards, ensigns, flags or pennants 
of many nations, and is displayed in a variety of forms and 
colors. The colors most favored are red, white and blue ; while 
black, yellow and green are also employed. 



25 



ALTERNATE ARRANGEMENTS OF COLORS. 

This flag proper is as described above. Its design is, how- 
ever, intended to cover such changes in the combination of its 
several parts as may be found desirable to suit the taste or pref- 
erence of the users. Any of the arrangements of colors shown 
in the appended table are considered admissible under this de- 
sign. It will be noted, however, that any change in the arrange- 
ment of colors would change or modify the effect of the color 
svmbolism. 





aa 
6 


.5° 

HI 

c 


3 


P 
G 

V 

c 
O 


c 

u ° 

OO 

pa 


5 

03 


6£ 

O 
X 


5 




c 
o 

w 

El 


1 


Red 


White 


Blue 


Red 


White 


White 


White 


White 


Red 


o 


Blue 


White 


Blue 


Red 


White 


White 


White 


White 


Red 


3 


Blue 


White 


Red 


Blue 


White 


White 


White 


White 


Red 


4 


White 


Blue 


Red 


Blue 


White 


White 


White 


Blue 


W r hite 


5 


White 


Red 


Blue 


Red 


White 


White 


White 


Blue 


White 


6 


Blue 


Red 


White 


Blue 


Red 


Blue 


Blue 


White 


Red 


7 


Red 


Blue 


White 


Red 


Blue 


Blue 


Blue 


White 


Red 



Any Christian society desiring to display the distinguishing 
badge of its organization with this flag will place same within 
the circle described by dotted line as shown on the accompanying 
plate. In the absence of a badge, the Chrismon, in yellow or 
gold within a circle, will be displayed instead. The motto of 
such society may be placed at the bottom of the flag in the center 
of the outer border. 



26 



CRITICISM AND ACHIEVEMENT. 

Hostile critics have sometimes confounded the faith of the 
Christian with the superstition of the heathen, and while freely 
admitting the superiority of Christianity over the religions of 
paganism, have nevertheless misjudged it to be at best an im- 
practical, although beautiful, moral system. Eager to discredit 
the power of the cross, they have declared it to be inconsistent 
with the character of a good God to permit Christ to suffer for 
the sins of the world, asserting that a God capable of such an 
act must of necessity be cruel and unjust. Reasoning thus, they 
have offered the proposition that the crucifixion of Christ was 
brought about by the ordinary course of events, unforeseen by 
Him and signifying nothing to others. But the prophesies of 
scripture for many centuries before Christ, the recorded testi- 
mony of many eye witnesses and the uncompromising test of 
time, whereby all His works and claims have been tried, stand 
approved in the light of reason, satisfy the faith of the Chris- 
tian, and bear eloquent testimony to the truth that, "God so loved 
the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever 
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
St. John 3, 1 6. 

Christ met His critics with a challenge, that will remain valid 
unto the latest generation. "If I do not the works of my Father, 
believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe 
the works : that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is 
in me, and I in him." St. John 10, 37-38. 

For nearly two thousand years He has stood historically mani- 
fested to the world as the living embodiment of the ideal con- 
ception of human life, while the greatness and power of His 
words and deeds have made faith in His Divinity a logical neces- 



27 



sity. Through His power to reincarnate His own ideals and 
virtues as active forces in human life. He has wrought the 
physical redemption, and the mental and moral regeneration of 
individuals and nations; has established a new order of civiliza- 
tion, and has changed the course of human history. 

His Church, redeemed with His own blood, baptized with the 
Holy Ghost and with fire, was founded in righteousness upon the 
laws of God. Cherishing the highest ideals, committed to a 
perfect standard of morals, and actuated by the perennial enthu- 
siasm of a pure and unselfish purpose, she has, with compara- 
tively rare exceptions due to individual failures, been distin- 
guished by the unprejudiced recognition of merit, by superiority 
in the administration of justice, by intellectual power and achieve- 
ments, and bv the spirit of liberty. She is a zealous advocate 
of equity in the distribution of the rewards of toil, is rich in 
faith, enterprising and fraternal in spirit ; abounds in good works, 
is tireless in energy and of dauntless courage. She abides in 
love, rejoices in hope, is now and ever has been the herald of 
peace and good will among men, the chief civilizing agency in 
the world, and the authorized medium for the achievement of 
God's highest purposes for man. 

While it is a matter of history that men of noble and philan- 
thropic spirit have from time to time arisen outside the Church 
to found and support benevolent works with princely generosity, 
the number of such men has been comparatively small, and in 
the last analysis their high purposes have generally been inspired 
by the golden precepts and holy example of Christ. The vast 
superiority of the civilization of Christian lands over that of 
lands dominated by other religions cannot be accounted for on 
the grounds of varying national or racial traits of character, but 
is traceable mainly either directly or indirectly to the beneficent 
influences and work of Christ and His Church. 



Nor is the vast unmeasured debt that the world at large owes 
to the ancient Hebrew Church forgotten. That institution under 
God, as the conservator of the law, prepared the way for the 
reception of the Gospel of Christ, and its adherents should not 
be considered apart from, but as a part of the greater Christen- 
dom ; for Christ, as the Scriptures declare, was "in the begin- 
ning.'" The ancient Hebrews looked forward to His appearing 
as to the dawning of a perfect and unending day. Their most 
important religious rites prefigured and foreshadowed Him, and 
without Him would be meaningless. Fulfilling the Scriptures, 
although rejected, He, as a moral and spiritual leader, more than 
met their highest and holiest expectations, and stands now as He 
stood then for all the race, "A priest forever after the order of 
Melchisedec." 

The claims of Him who said : "I am the way, the truth and 
the life," are more firmly established by the investigations of each 
succeeding generation, to which His personality and character 
are revealed in ever increasing glory. 



29 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 

The Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians, after warn- 
ing the Church of the strength and subtleness of the powers of 
evil, sounds a call to arms by the use of a figure as practical 
as it is striking and beautiful : 

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may 
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and 
having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod 
with the preparation of the gospel of peace: Above all, taking 
the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the 
fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and 
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying 
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch- 
ing thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all 
saints." Ephesians 6, 13-18. 

These words of the Apostle, permeated with the truth of the 
gospel and the Spirit of inspiration, are as fresh and new to- 
day as when, in the Christian Church in Ephesus, they were 
first read in the presence of men accustomed to the familiar sight 
of the soldiers of the Roman Legions as they marched through 
the streets of that rich and magnificent city, or guarded its vast 
commercial interests. 

The Christian is not a soldier in any carnal sense of the word, 
yet as "a good soldier of Jesus Christ" he is bound by all the 
sacred ties of honor to defend the truth, to live for it, and, if 
need be, to die for it. To do this requires the highest degree of 
concentration of purpose, discipline, obedience and as splendid 
courage as that of the soldier. 



3 1 



The unaided hand of man cannot maintain, or even lift up, this 
standard. The purpose and strength to do this can come only 
by personal touch with Christ, through whose transforming 
power alone, sins, which were as scarlet, are made "as white as 
snow," and men whose lives were once blighted and disfigured 
by their own evil deeds are now renewed in mind, and proving 
"what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 

Then under the banner of the Captain of our Salvation, who, 
that He might bring many sons unto glory, was made perfect 
through sufferings, we go forward in life's high calling, and 
going we sing: 

"Onward, Christian Soldiers, marching as to war, 
With the Cross of Jesus going on before." 



SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES. 

The preceding scriptural references have been quoted from the 
King James' version of the Bible. A comparison of these quota- 
tions with the corresponding Scriptures of other authorized ver- 
sions, while making apparent differences in the rendering of cer- 
tain passages, reveals nothing in conflict with the purposes of 
this article. 

The following quotations from the Douay Bible sufficiently con- 
firm this statement: 

" n s And Jesus coming spoke to them, saying : All power is 
given to me in heaven and in earth. 19 Going, therefore, teach 
ye all nations ; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 20 Teaching them to observe 
all things whatsoever I have commanded you : and behold I am 
with you all days, even to the consummation of the world." 
Mat. 28, 18-20. 

" 1 Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed 
upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of 
God. Therefore, the world knoweth not us, because it knew not 
him. 2 Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God ; and it 
hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know, that when 
he shall appear, we shall be like him : because we shall see him 
as he is. 3 And every one that hath this hope in him, sancti- 
fieth himself, as he also is holy." I. of St. John 3, 1-3. 

" 3 Labor as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 2, 3. 

" 8 Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from 
the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel. 9 Where- 
in I labour even unto bands, as an evil doer ; but the word of God 
is not bound." 2 Tim. 2 ; 8-9. 



33 



" 10 Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, 
that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, 
with heavenly glory." 2 Tim. 2, 10. 

" 1T Therefore, doth the Father love me: because I lay down 
my life, that I may take it again. 18 No man taketh it away from 
me ; but I lay it down of myself, and I have power to lay it 
down : and I have power to take it up again. This command- 
ment have I received of my Father." John 10, 17-18. 

" 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw 7 all things 
to myself." John 12, 32. 

" °For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead cor- 
porally : i0 And you are filled in him, who is the head of all 
principality and power:" Col. 2, 9-10. 

" 15 And He said to them: Go ye into the whole world and 
preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16, 15. 

Many other equally clear and forcible passages of Scripture 
confirming those quoted above may be readily found by any one 
desiring to make a study of the doctrinal and ethical questions 
herein presented, and for that reason the few references given 
have been considered sufficient for present purposes. 



34 



CONCLUSION. 

In conclusion, it may be added that this flag is intended to be 
a visible expression and token of faith in, and of loyalty and de- 
votion to, Jesus Christ, the "Prince of Peace." Its chief symbol, 
the cross, as presented in the Bible, misunderstood and misrepre- 
sented as it often has been, remains the vital and Divinely ap- 
pointed means to man's redemption, and the most convincing 
evidence of self-sacrificing love. 

That His immediate and expectant followers, and all the world 
of subsequent believers, might have additional assurance of His 
resurrection, of His power and Divinity, and might by faith hear 
His voice of welcome from heaven where He had gone to "pre- 
pare a place" for His own, Jesus the Christ, the "Son of man" 
and "Lamb of God," turned from the glory of the New Jerusalem 
to speak, by revelation, these words of encouragement to all 
awaiting His reappearance, words freighted with immortal hope 
for all mankind : 

"I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold I am alive for ever- 
more, Amen ; and have the keys of hell and of death." 

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and 
the last." 

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right 
to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." 

"I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning 
star." 

"And the Spirit and the bride say. Come, and let him that heareth 
say, Come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let 
him take the water of life freely." 

Rev. I ; 18:22; 13, 14, 16, 17. 



39 



These gracious words of welcome are accompanied in the 
vision of the inspired revelator, by many significant warnings 
and striking figures. Of the latter none is better known or more 
reverently cherished than the animated and inspiring figure of 
Christ, the Risen Lord, and ever seeking Saviour, standing at 
the door. 

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice 
and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him. and 
he with me." 

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, 
even as 1 also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." 

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the 
churches." 

Rev. 3, 20-22. 

At the door there stands a stranger. 
And his face is wondrous fair; 
He is knocking, calling, waiting. 
Waiting at the fast-harred door. 

'Tis the Lord of Glory, 

Standing at your door; 
Will you hid Him welcome. 

To ahide forevermore? 



40 



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